The Grace of Lord Krishna: The Sixteen Verse-Treatises (Sodasagranthah) of Vallabhacharya

by James D. Redington

This volume presents both translation and interpretation, based upon traditional and contemporary commentaries, of these verse-treatises. It is the first such presentation in a western language.

These short treatises may be characterized as the practical theology of Vallabhacharya's 'Path of Grace' (pustimarga). For he wrote most of them in response to the questions of specific disciples, about central topics of the path of loving devotion to Lord Krishna, such as: worship (seva) of the Lord, the path of grace and the other paths, initiation to this path of worship and grace, worries about worship, refuge in and surrender to Lord Krishna, commands given by the Lord or one's guru, how love of the Lord grows stronger, whether renunciation (samnyasa) might help or hinder that love, the 'constraint' (nirodha) by which Krishna loves the devotee, and the reward of such worship, among other topics.

Contents of the Book:

Preface.
1. Yamuna's octet.
2. A guide for beginners.
3. The pearl-necklace of doctrine.
4. The differences of grace, flow and limitations.
5. The secret of our doctrine.
6. The nine jewels.
7. Exhortation to my heart.
8. Wisdom, patience, and refuge.
9. Refuge in Krishna.
10. The four.
11. Strengthening devotion.
12. The different kinds of water.
13. Five verses.
14. A consideration of renunciation.
15. The definition of constraint.
16. The reward of worship.
Index.

About the Author:

James D. Redington, S.J. - Associate Professor of Interreligous Dialogue B.A., Boston College; M.A., University of Wisconsin - Madison; Ph.D., University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Fr. Redington joined the faculty in August 2003 coming from the Woodstock Theological Center in Washington, D.C. He will begin his teaching duties at the Jesuit School of Theology in the spring semester of 2004.
As Associate Professor of Interreligous Dialogue, Fr. Redington teaches courses such as Interreligous Dialogue and Devotional Hinduism.
Fr. Redington also holds the Dwan Family Chair in Interreligious and Ecumenical Dialogue.